Oct 22 Easy Kids Lunch Ideas for Busy Mornings

With busy mornings (and picky eaters), it can feel like a chore to pack healthy lunches that your kids will actually eat. But with a few simple tricks, you can pack nourishing and delicious lunches in less time than it takes to brew your morning coffee. Here’s how:

Roll It Up

Pinwheel sandwiches are way more fun, elevating your lunch game without having to put in much effort. Just a few easy steps:

Roll out the bread with a rolling pin and cut off the crusts,

Spread with your favorite spread (if you choose, add sliced fruit like bananas or strawberries for a pop of color),

Build-your-own lunch combos are another easy way to pack healthy lunches, quickly. Bonus: kids who like their foods “not touching” will love that everything is packed in its own compartment. Try a lunchables-style setup with cucumber slices or mini crackers with cheese and your favorite deli meat. Build-your-own tacos are another fun riff on this idea. Pack street size corn tortillas with sautéed ground beef and chopped veggies or fresh pico de gallo salsa.

Why make two meals when you can make one (and it’s more fun)? Breakfast for lunch is another way to ease lunch packing duty. Try pancake sandwiches: add your favorite spread and sliced fruit to bite-size flapjacks. Slice up gluten-free waffles into “sticks” and pair with a dipping sauce made by combining Greek yogurt with a touch of honey and cinnamon.

If your kid is tired of veggies and hummus, serve up carrot sticks and celery sticks with a protein-packed dip like Greek yogurt disguised as ranch dressing. Simply whisk together whole milk Greek yogurt with a touch of white wine vinegar, powdered onion and garlic, dried dill, and a dash of salt and pepper. Or mix it up with a roasted red pepper feta spread or vegetarian green goddess dip. Easy, and it makes a great snack for you, too.

Here’s your roundup of easy lunch & snack ideas. And if you have any advice on how to pack fast and nutritious lunches for your kids please share it with us on Instagram and tag your pics with @goodeggs #kidslunchideas. We’d love to see what you’re packing up!